Pump Flow Optimizer

ABSTRACT

A pump flow optimizer is disclosed. In one embodiment, the pump flow optimizer comprises: at least one primary output nozzle that is configured to direct outflow from a pump on which is positioned, the primary output nozzles being configured to redirect outflow at approximately a twenty nine degree angle relative to a surface on which it is disposed; and a plurality of center nozzles configured to further redirect outflow from the pump on which the optimizer is disposed, the center nozzles being configured to allow act as secondary output nozzles in that each center nozzle permits a smaller volume of outflow from the pump to be released.

BACKGROUND

The pedicure industry is expanding in today's economy. A pedicure spa is located in many pedicure salons and many salon professionals are now trained to administer a pedicure to their various clients. Clients sit at the pedicure spa where technicians can provide pedicure services as well as other spa services. Salon professionals or pedicurists render treatment and comfort of the feet of a person in addition to other included services.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Many aspects of the invention can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present invention. Moreover, in the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pump flow optimizer in accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a pump flow optimizer in accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a pump flow optimizer in accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 4 depicts a pump flow optimizer, optimizer adapter, and pump in accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 5 depicts a pump flow optimizer, optimizer adapter, and pump in accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 6 depicts a pedicure spa pump according to one embodiment of the disclosure; and

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a optimizer adapter according to one embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a optimizer adapter according to one embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a optimizer adapter according to one embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 10 depicts a pump and pump flow optimizer mounted to a basin according to one embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 11 depicts a pump flow optimizer, an optimizer adapter, a basin sealing ring, and mounting ring according to one embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 12 depicts a pump flow optimizer, an optimizer adapter, a basin sealing ring, and mounting ring according to one embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 13 depicts a pump and pump flow optimizer mounted to a basin according to one embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 14 depicts a pump and pump flow optimizer mounted to a basin according to one embodiment of the disclosure; and

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With reference to FIG. 1, shown is one example of a pump flow optimizer 100. FIG. 1 depicts the upper surface of the pump flow optimizer 100. The pump flow optimizer 100 is configured to optimize outflow from a pedicure spa pump. It should be appreciated that the pump flow optimizer 100 can be integrally molded with a pedicure spa pump or configured to snap-fit, clamp, or otherwise attach to an existing pedicure spa pump. The pump flow optimizer 100 is configured to be positioned substantially over a pedicure spa pump output to redirect and optimize outflow caused by activation of such a pump. The pump flow optimizer 100 can be configured with at least one primary output nozzle 102 that is configured to direct outflow from a pump on which is positioned. The primary output nozzles 102 can be configured to redirect outflow at approximately a twenty nine degree angle relative to a surface of a pedicure spa basin on which it is disposed. In other words, if a pedicure spa pump absent the optimizer 100 or any outflow redirection is configured to outflow at approximately ninety degrees, the primary output nozzles 102 are configured to redirect outflow from the ninety degree angle to approximately twenty-nine degrees. Redirected outflow from a pump at such an angle relative to the surface of a basin in which a pump is disposed can optimize the water agitation caused by the pump. Such optimization can increase the comfort and/or enjoyment of a person receiving a pedicure or other using a basin.

The pump flow optimizer 100 further includes a plurality of center nozzles 104 configured to further redirect outflow from a pedicure spa pump on which the optimizer 100 is disposed. The center nozzles 104 are configured to allow act as secondary output nozzles in that each center nozzle 104 permits a smaller volume of outflow from the pedicure spa pump to be released. The center nozzles 104 are further configured to redirect outflow from a pump at approximately a ninety degree angle relative to the surface of a pedicure spa basin in which the pedicure spa pump is disposed. When configured in a plurality, the center nozzles 104 work in conjunction with the primary output nozzles 102 to further optimize pedicure spa pump outflow.

FIG. 2 illustrates an alternative depiction of the upper surface of the pump flow optimizer 100, while FIG. 3 depicts a bottom surface of the pump flow optimizer of FIG. 1. The pump flow optimizer 100 can be mounted to a pedicure spa pump via a tongue and groove system. The optimizer 100 can also be snap-fitted, connected by an adhesive, or other connection system as should be appreciated. In the depicted example, mounting tongues 106 can be employed with which to mount the optimizer 100 to a pedicure spa pump. The mounting tongues 106 can also be employed to mount the optimizer 100 to a mounting ring, mounting seal, or other intermediate one or more mounting surface that can be subsequently mounted to a pump.

Reference is now made to FIG. 4, which depicts a pump flow optimizer 100 as well as a pedicure spa pump 200. In the depicted non-limiting example, the pedicure spa pump 200 includes a propeller 260 configured to cause outflow from the pump 200. Also depicted is an optimizer adapter 245, which is configured to facilitate connection of the optimizer 100 to the pump 200. The optimizer can be configured to connect to the adapter 245 via a tongue and groove connection system as noted above, which can in turn connect to the pump 200. The optimizer 100 can be positioned via the adapter 245 to cover the propeller 260 in order to redirect and/or optimize outflow from the pump 200. It should be appreciated that the pump 200 can also employ impellers or other water agitation devices. The depicted pump 200 also includes at least one sealing ring 250 configured to facilitate sealing the optimizer 100 to the surface of the pump 200. The point of connection between the depicted pump 200 and sealing ring 250 is an outer circumference of the pump 200 and optimizer 100. Accordingly, the sealing ring 250 improves performance of the optimizer 100 by reducing leakage of pump outflow from the point of connection between the optimizer 100 and pump 200.

Reference is now made to FIG. 5, which depicts a pump flow optimizer 100 coupled to the pedicure spa pump 200. The pedicure spa pump 200 includes a housing 270 concealing a fan motor and/or other electrical and mechanical components for operation of the pump 200. The pump flow optimizer 100 is coupled to the pump 200 in order to redirect pump outflow as noted above. Sealing ring 250 is employed to facilitate sealing of the point of connection between the optimizer 100 and pump 200.

Additionally, the pump 200 can include a basin sealing ring 230 constructed from rubber, silicone, or other materials as should be appreciated. The basin sealing ring 230 can be configured to facilitate sealing of the pump 200 and a pedicure spa basin. It should be appreciated that the depicted pedicure spa pump 200 can be employed in a pedicure spa basin in order to agitate water in the basin for the comfort of a person receiving a pedicure. Accordingly, the basin sealing ring 230 can be employed to seal the basin at the point of installation of the pump 200 and optimizer 100. Mounting ring 300 can be employed to facilitate mounting of the pump 200 and the optimizer 100 to a pedicure spa basin. Accordingly, a wall of the basin can be disposed in the area between the sealing ring 230 and mounting ring 300. Screws or bolts can be driven through a wall of the basin in order to secure the pump housing 270 to the basin sealing ring 230, sealing ring 250, propeller 260, optimizer 100, and other structures as should be appreciated.

FIG. 6 depicts a pedicure spa pump 200 absent a pump outflow optimizer 100 (FIG. 4) and/or optimizer adapter 245 (FIG. 4). FIG. 7 depicts an alternative view of an upper surface 244 of the optimizer adapter 245. As noted above, the adapter 245 can be employed to facilitate connection of the optimizer 100 to a pump 200, as the configuration, shape and other properties of a pump can vary, the optimizer 100 design properties and/or connectors can be kept constant, while the connectors of the adapter 245 can vary according to the properties of the pump to which the optimizer 100 is coupled. Accordingly, the adapter 245 can be configured to connect to the optimizer via a tongue and groove system as noted above. The adapter 245 can include one or more adapter connector 246 configured to mate with a corresponding mounting tongue 106 or other connector of the optimizer 100.

FIGS. 8-9 depict a lower surface of the adapter 245. The lower surface of the adapter 245 can be configured to connect to a pedicure spa pump, sealing ring, gasket, or other components related to installation of a pedicure spa pump 200 in a pedicure basin. The lower surface of the adapter 245 can include one or more screw holes 251 through which screws, bolts, or other connectors can be driven in order to connect the 245 adapter to the pump, sealing ring, gasket, mounting structure, a basin itself or other structure as should be appreciated. Additionally, the adapter 245 can include one or more grooves 252 that can be employed to connect the adapter to a pump 200, sealing ring, gasket, or other structure.

FIG. 10 depicts a view of the pump 200 mounted to the basin 310, optimizer 100 and other pump components configured to reside within the basin. Accordingly, the pump housing 270 of the pump 200 is secured to the basin 310 via mounting screws 301 driven through mounting ring 300. The mounting screws 301 can be configured to secure the housing 270 to a basin sealing ring 230, optimizer adapter 245 and/or pump flow optimizer 100 as noted above. The mounting ring 300 can be constructed from metals, metal alloys, plastic, fiberglass, or other rigid or semi-rigid materials configured to supposed the weight of the housing 270 and additional components in a mounting configuration as shown in FIG. 10. It should be appreciated that other mounting or connection systems may be employed in accordance with the disclosure, and that the illustration is but one non-limiting example.

FIG. 11 depicts an exploded perspective view of the pump flow optimizer 100, the optimizer adapter 245, basin sealing ring 230 and mounting ring 300. The illustration depicts how the various components can be aligned and subsequently connected to form an optimizer 100 pump 200 combination that it secured to a basin. Similarly, FIG. 12 depicts an alternative exploded perspective view from the respective bottom surfaces of each of the components of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 depicts an alternative mounting system for mounting a pump 200 to a basin 310 and also to a pump flow optimizer 100 and other components of the pump 200 configured to reside within the basin 310. The depicted alternative configuration can be employed particularly in scenarios in which accessing the area near or adjacent to the pump housing 270 is impractical. Additionally, the depicted alternative mounting configuration can be employed to facilitate mounting of the pump 200 and optimizer 100 by hand. Accordingly, the alternative mounting system may not employ the mounting ring 300 noted above. Instead, a housing bracket 603 and housing bolt 605 can be coupled to or extend from pump housing 270. The housing bracket and/or housing bolt 605 can be rigidly and/or fixedly secured to the housing 270 in order to facilitate a secure mounting of the pump 200. A basin bracket 601 and basin bracket nut 607 can also be employed, as is described in greater detail with reference to FIG. 14.

FIG. 14 depicts the pump 200 mounted to the basin 310 using the alternative mounting configuration noted above in reference to FIG. 13. Basin bracket 601 is secured to the housing bracket 603 via basin bracket nut 607 and housing bolt 605 extending from the housing 270. The basin bracket 601 is configured with a first arm 610 and a second arm 612 that extend around or near the housing and contact the basin 310. Accordingly, as the basin bracket bolt 607 is tightened onto the housing bolt 605, the first arm 610 and second arm 612 resultantly secure the pump 200 to the basin 310.

It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments of the present invention are merely possible examples of implementations, merely set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the invention. Many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiment(s) of the invention without departing substantially from the spirit and principles of the invention. As one example, the various components of the disclosed system can be positioned in various ways and in various configurations consistent with the scope of the disclosure. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure and the present invention. 

1. A pump flow optimizer comprising: at least one primary output nozzle that is configured to direct outflow from a pump on which is positioned, the primary output nozzles being configured to redirect outflow at approximately a twenty nine degree angle relative to a surface on which it is disposed; and a plurality of center nozzles configured to further redirect outflow from the pump on which the optimizer is disposed, the center nozzles being configured to allow act as secondary output nozzles in that each center nozzle permits a smaller volume of outflow from the pump to be released.
 2. The pump flow optimizer as defined in claim 1, wherein the pump flow optimizer is mounted on the pump using at least one of the following: a tongue and groove system, snap-fitted system, an adhesive, or other connection system.
 3. The pump flow optimizer as defined in claim 2, further comprising a optimizer adapter that is configured to facilitate connection of the optimizer to the pump, the optimizer adapter being further configured to connect to the adapter via the tongue and groove connection, which can in turn connect to the pump.
 4. The pump flow optimizer as defined in claim 1, further comprising a basin sealing ring that is configured to facilitate sealing the pump flow optimizer to the surface of the pump.
 5. The pump flow optimizer as defined in claim 1, further comprising a mounting ring that is employed to facilitate mounting of the pump and the optimizer to a basin.
 6. A pump comprising: a motor; a propeller coupled to the motor; and a pump flow optimizer including: at least one primary output nozzle that is configured to direct outflow from the pump on which is positioned, the primary output nozzles being configured to redirect outflow at approximately a twenty nine degree angle relative to a surface on which it is disposed; and a plurality of center nozzles configured to further redirect outflow from the pump on which the optimizer is disposed, the center nozzles being configured to allow act as secondary output nozzles in that each center nozzle permits a smaller volume of outflow from the pump to be released.
 7. The pump as defined in claim 6, wherein the pump flow optimizer is mounted on the pump using at least one of the following: a tongue and groove system, snap-fitted system, an adhesive, or other connection system.
 8. The pump as defined in claim 7, wherein the pump flow optimizer further includes a optimizer adapter that is configured to facilitate connection of the optimizer to the pump, the optimizer adapter being further configured to connect to the adapter via the tongue and groove connection, which can in turn connect to the pump.
 9. The pump as defined in claim 6, wherein the pump flow optimizer further includes a basin sealing ring that is configured to facilitate sealing the pump flow optimizer to the surface of the pump.
 10. The pump as defined in claim 6, wherein the pump flow optimizer further includes a mounting ring that is employed to facilitate mounting of the pump and the optimizer to a basin.
 11. A basin comprising: a pump that is mounted on a side wall of the basin, the pump having a motor, a propeller coupled to the motor; and a pump flow optimizer including: at least one primary output nozzle that is configured to direct outflow from a pump on which is positioned, the primary output nozzles being configured to redirect outflow at approximately a twenty nine degree angle relative to the side wall of the basin on which it is disposed; and a plurality of center nozzles configured to further redirect outflow from the pump on which the optimizer is disposed, the center nozzles being configured to allow act as secondary output nozzles in that each center nozzle permits a smaller volume of outflow from the pump to be released.
 12. The pump as defined in claim 11, wherein the pump flow optimizer is mounted on the pump using at least one of the following: a tongue and groove system, snap-fitted system, an adhesive, or other connection system.
 13. The pump as defined in claim 12, wherein the pump flow optimizer further includes a optimizer adapter that is configured to facilitate connection of the optimizer to the pump, the optimizer adapter being further configured to connect to the adapter via the tongue and groove connection, which can in turn connect to the pump.
 14. The pump as defined in claim 11, wherein the pump flow optimizer further includes a basin sealing ring that is configured to facilitate sealing the pump flow optimizer to the surface of the pump.
 15. The pump as defined in claim 11, wherein the pump flow optimizer further includes a mounting ring that is employed to facilitate mounting of the pump and the optimizer to a basin. 